Kelly Ho | Staff Writer
On Mar. 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the GC Ballrooms, students were introduced to workshops, discussion panels, and various activities at the Women in Technology Conference (WiTCON).
Lasting 10 hours, students had chances to hear about companies including Google, Capital 1, and others, including student organizations. Students had opportunities to take their LinkedIn Headshot Photoshoot with CodePath, practice elevator pitches, and network with companies.
Students were also provided with a free meal at the GC Pit, including chicken, rice and beans, and cookies.
Meagan Alfaro, a senior computer science major and co-director of WiTCON, explained the various activities throughout the day. “We have a sponsorship fair, with speakers like Dr. Kristian Austin, tech panels, workshops, and cyber quests.”
Dr. Kristin Austin is the VP of Culture and Community Impact at Rewriting the Code, where she helps drive social impact, cultivates belonging and ensures RTC’s powerhouse talent connects with companies that are serious about impact-driven collaboration.
Some panels talked about how important taking risks is, being confident and the importance of networking.
Cyber Quest Challenges | Kelly Ho, PantherNow
Cyber Quest is where students team up and solve challenges together, first few to win prizes. Throughout the event, students were encouraged to work together to solve the challenges to win rewards.
GC Pit Lunch Table | Kelly Ho, PantherNow
Mareline Ramirez, an alumnus who majored in Computer Science and an advisor for WiTCON, explained the difference between last year’s WiTCON and this year’s.
“While last year was the same with having industry-led workshops and a networking fair, this time we added a social hour. Featuring a DJ and a Drag Show, we wanted to connect more with our community.”
The Drag Show was by Pride Student Union (PSU), a student-led program that uplifts, educates, and engages the 2SLGBTQIA+, SGL, allied, and other marginalized, intersectional communities at FIU.
The event also included karaoke and mocktails, where students could connect. They also had other companies, including CodePath, a nonprofit organization that is with FIU, providing technical courses and prep courses to get students career-ready. To learn more, click here.
CodePath Table and Staff | Kelly Ho, PantherNow
“We wanted to help students grow and uplift our community by providing students the opportunity to meet with companies, network, and encourage growth,” said Vice President of WiTCON, Margarita Gutierrez, a junior majoring in computer science at FIU.
Students networking with each other and companies| Kelly Ho, PantherNow
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